The Statue of Equality is a monumental statue in Hyderabad, India, dedicated to the 11th-century Vaishnavite saint, Sri Ramanujacharya. On 5 February 2019, the then President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated this statue. This particular statue signifies the vision of equality, justice, and compassion that Sri Ramanujacharya preached to humanity.
Background
Sri Ramanujacharya (1017-1137 CE) was one of the very influential Indian philosophers and theologians in the Bhakti movement in India. He perpetually brought home the importance of devotion to God (Vishnu) and social equality beyond the stratification of castes. He left an indelible mark on Hinduism in respect to unity, love, and devotion that resounds and influences millions today.
The statue was built as an inspiration to the societies for his contribution to society and the promotion of his equality message, religious tolerance, and social justice.
Design and Structure
Height: The Statue of Equality stands 216 feet tall, which is the second largest bronze statue in the world, after the Statue of Liberty in the USA.
Material: The statue is made of a special bronze alloy, called “Pancha Loha,” or a mix of five metals: gold, silver, copper, brass, and zinc.
Design: It depicts Sri Ramanujacharya in the seated pose, lotus pose, Padmasana, the traditional pose which symbolizes both peace and meditation. His facial expression is serene and full of wisdom.
Foundation: The statue is seated on a 54-foot pedestal, on which the museum and the research center are located. Here, the pedestal symbolizes the pillars of Ramanujacharya’s message and its applicability in this modern world.
Meaning and Objective
Equality Promoted: The Statue of Equality is the epitome of the teachings of Ramanujacharya, who taught ‘Egalitarianism’. He was extremely strong on his stance against caste differentiation, preaching that all human beings are equal in God’s eyes.
Cultural Heritage: The Sculpture as an Icon of spiritual and cultural heritage of India It will be a tribute to the rich tradition, its qualities and symbols if taken altogether would take one to the distant past where Ramanujacharya and his teachings had begun.
Tourism and Economic Impact: The statue is likely to attract many domestic as well as foreign tourists to Hyderabad. Being part of a larger project, which includes a temple, an educational complex, and a cultural center, it is likely to boost local tourism, create jobs, and promote inter-cultural exchange.
Construction and Challenges
Sourcing and Administration: The project of Statue of Equality was largely funded by collection and donation by the devotees who follow the teachings of Ramanujacharya. Chinna Jeeyar Swamy, a personality in the spiritual world who featured significantly in bringing this to reality, led the construction activity. The estimated cost of this project would be around INR 1,000 crore.
Technological Challenges: These included the usage of advanced technology and the skills of experts in constructing the statue. The bronze alloy statue was made using the latest technology, such as 3D modeling and robotic welding, to ensure perfection and durability. Other challenges included finding raw materials to make and assemble the statue.
Environmental and Social Challenges: This is no different when a large project such as this one, the Statue of Equality, was perceived to cause environmental issues and fund misallocation by many, but it was also associated with the preservation of India’s heritage and the cause for social equality.
Cultural and Social Impact:
Educational Significance: The complex around the statue shall have a center for study and learning of the philosophy of Ramanujacharya. As part of this, Veda and Indian philosophy programs have been planned.
Spiritual Significance: Millions of adherents of the Vishishtadvaita tradition consider this statue an icon of their worship of Ramanujacharya. It provides them a place for worship, reflection, and learning about the philosophy and teachings of Ramanujacharya.
Motivation towards Social Transformation: The Statue of Equality will remind people of the essence of equality and harmony. The idea of everyone in society should not be subjected to lowly prejudices of caste, creed, or gender gets reinforced through this statue.
The Statue of Equality is a monumental tribute to the philosophical and visionary stream of Sri Ramanujacharya. It is more than a statue-it symbolizes social justice, equality, and spiritual enlightenment. The statue, in addition to all its other educational and cultural activities, will surely inspire generations to work toward inclusiveness and compassion.
Through its great size, great design, and cultural importance, the Statue of Equality adds to India’s rich cultural landscape and becomes a symbol of continuous activity for the social and spiritual development of a country like India.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Equality_(Ramanuja)
- https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/ramanujacharya-statue-of-equality-explained-7754236/
- https://statueofequality.org/
